Paul Hollywood splits from wife after 20 years of marriage

The couple said the focus of their happiness will be their teenage son, Josh.

Paul Hollywood and wife Alexandra attend the National Television Awards at 02 Arena on January 21, 2015 in London, England.Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

Great British Bake Off star judge Paul Hollywood has split from his wife Alexandra after almost 20 years, the couple announced "with sadness" today (20 November).

The pair, who married in 1998, have a teenage son, Josh, together. In a joint statement to the Press Association, they said: "It is with sadness that we have decided to separate. Our focus continues to be the happiness of our son, and we would ask the press and public to allow us privacy as a family during this very difficult time."

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The Hollywoods previously split up in 2013 after Paul had an affair with his US GBBO co-star Marcela Valladolid. But they reconciled just months later and he described it as "the biggest mistake of my life" soon afterwards on BBC 5 Live.

Speaking to the Mail Online after in 2013, Alex, also a cook, said: "What happened to me does not define me. That's not me. What defines me is cooking for family and friends and my son Josh."

Hollywood will again appear on Channel 4's GBBO as the revamped series returns next autumn, while his book A Baker's Life was released earlier this month.

Just this month, GBBO 2016 winner Candice Brown addressed rumours of an affair with Hollywood after photos emerged of an "intimate" kiss between them at the Pride of Britain Awards on 30 October. She denied the rumours, tweeting: "No kisses or hugs hello or goodbye from now on – handshakes or waves only!"